Luke Littler has dismissed criticism from darts legend Dennis Priestley as "banter" after the two-time world champion claimed the teenager didn't deserve his MBE and accused him of letting England down at the World Cup of Darts.
The 17-year-old sensation responded to the harsh comments by insisting he views the exchange as harmless fun.
"People probably see it as like, I'm actually biting, but I just look at it as a bit of banter. I love it. If I see something, then I will just comment on it," Littler said.
The row erupted following England's first-round exit at the PDC World Cup of Darts in Frankfurt.
PA/GBNEWS | Luke Littler has used a screenshot from a GB News article to hit back at darts icon Dennis Priestley following comments that the teenager 'didn't deserve an MBE'Priestley launched a scathing attack on both Littler and Luke Humphries following their performance in Frankfurt.
"Luke Littler and Luke Humphries let their country down at the World Cup of Darts, from what we've heard they weren't sitting together or practising together," Priestley said.
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"To be brutally honest, I don't think either Luke Littler or Luke Humphries have done enough to earn their MBEs just yet."
Littler has been recognised for raising the popularity of darts which is great, but he can still do so much more."
Littler hit back at Priestley's criticism with a pointed Instagram story, reacting to our story on GB News, that he later removed.
"Don't deserve the MBE but done more in 12 months than he ever did...that's what I would say anyway," the teenager wrote.
The post was quickly deleted, but not before it highlighted the tension between the two generations of darts players.
Littler's response referenced his remarkable rise over the past 18 months, during which he has established himself as one of the sport's elite players.
His MBE was awarded for significantly growing darts' popularity, particularly among younger audiences.
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GETTY | Dennis Priestley said Luke Littler and Luke Humphries 'have not done enough' to warrant an MBEDespite the controversy, Littler appears unfazed as he prepares for the World Matchplay at the Winter Gardens.
The teenager will be eager to prove his critics wrong after suffering a first-round defeat to Michael van Gerwen in last year's tournament.
Priestley had suggested that if Littler received an MBE this early in his career, he could be on track for a knighthood.
"Nothing would surprise me now," the former champion remarked.